On Tuesday, July 20th, a program was held at the Bus 19 site. One of the program participants was viewing the Bus when they noticed two small books; one on the floor by the drivers seat and the other in the change cup to the right of the drivers seat. we are unsure as to where they came from as the Bus has traveled extensively around the United States and has been at its present site for over four years.

One of the “small books” was a leather bound Hebrew prayer book and the other was a “fire insurance” booklet that people keep in their homes as protection against fire. My only thought is that both of these items belonged to the driver and that they were stored in a concealed place above the driver’s seat. The Bus has deteriorated over time and rust has caused some of the frame to collapse above the driver’s seat. I have a feeling that’s where the artifacts were “hiding” only to be found on July 20th, 2010 which, by the way, was the Jewish holiday of Tisha Ba’av; the day when we mourn the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem.

If anyone knows the driver of Bus 19, Shalom Zaken, please have him get in touch with the Bus 19 Project at info@bus19project.com.

Prayer book "siddur" found on the floor by the driver's seat.

Prayer book "siddur" found on the floor by the driver's seat.

Small booklet people use to "ward off" fires. Ironic...